Hypothermia

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature brought on by staying in cold temperatures for a long period of time. This lowered body temperature affects the brain, thus affecting a person's ability to think clearly or move well. Severe hypothermia can also cause an irregular heartbeat leading to heart failure and death.

While hypothermia occurs most often in very cold temperatures, even cool temperatures (above 40 degrees Fahreinheit or 4 degrees Celsius) can be dangerous to a person who has become chilled from rain, sweat, or being in cold water for an extended period of time.

Who is at risk for hypothermia?

The following people are most at risk for hypothermia:

Elderly people, who often have other illnesses, such as heart disease or circulation problems, or take medications that interfere with the body's ability to regulate its temperature

Elderly people with inadequate food, clothing, or heat; often these persons sit alone for hours or days at a time in a cold apartment or home; improper nutrition also makes them more susceptible to the cold

Infants and/or toddlers sleeping in cold bedrooms

People who remain outdoors for long periods of time, such as the homeless, hikers, and hunters

Half of the elderly people who develop hypothermia die before, or soon after, being found. However, even young, seemingly strong people, are affected by hypothermia when exposed to the cold for long periods of time.

What are the symptoms of hypothermia?

The following are the most common symptoms of hypothermia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Confusion

Sleepiness

Fumbling hands

Shivering and exhaustion

Slow, slurred speech, or shallow breathing

Weak pulse and/or low blood pressure

Drowsiness

A change in behavior or appearance during cold weather

Stiffness in the arms and legs

Poor control over body movements or slow reactions

In infants, bright red, cold skin and/or very low energy

To determine if the person is suffering from hypothermia, take his or her temperature with a thermometer. A body temperature under 95 degrees Fahreinheit (45 degrees Celsius) is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly treated, according to the National Institute on Aging.

What should you do while waiting for medical attention?

It is important that victims of hypothermia receive immediate medical attention. While waiting for medical attention, some methods of dealing with a hypothermia victim include the following:

First, get the victim into a warm room or shelter.

If he or she has on any wet clothing, remove it immediately.

Warm the center of the body first--the chest, neck, head, and groin--using an electric blanket, if it is available. Or use skin-to-skin contact, with your own body heat providing warmth to the victim.

Be careful to not handle the victim roughly.

Warm beverages can also be helpful, but never give a victim of hypothermia any alcoholic beverage, and never try to give beverages to an unconscious person.

Once the body temperature begins to increase, keep the person dry and wrapped in warm blankets and seek medical attention as soon as possible.